Anchor device for anchoring a peripheral edge of a press blanket

ABSTRACT

In an enclosed shoe press having a press blanket extending through an extended nip defined between a backing roll and a press shoe, an anchor device is disclosed for anchoring a peripheral edge of the press blanket. The anchor device includes a rotatable head which defines a conical peripheral surface for supporting the blanket. A ring defines a concave surface which cooperates with the conical surface of the rotatable head such that the peripheral edge of the blanket is anchored between the conical surface of the head and the concave surface of the ring. Also, a pin extends radially inwardly from the ring, the pin engaging a hole defined by the peripheral edge of the blanket. Additionally, a plurality of barbs extend away from the concave surface for assisting in anchoring the peripheral edge of the blanket against the conical surface of the rotatable head. A mechanism is provided for urging the conical surface of the head axially away from the press shoe so that the conical surface moves towards the concave surface of the ring such that the peripheral edge of the blanket is wedged between the conical surface of the head and the concave surface of the ring. The arrangement is structured such that when the blanket extends through the extended nip and during subsequent flexing of the blanket, the peripheral edge of the blanket is firmly anchored to the conical surface of the rotatable head.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an anchor device for anchoring aperipheral edge of a press blanket. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to an anchor device for anchoring a peripheral edge ofa press blanket in an enclosed shoe press.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] Shoe presses typically include a looped press blanket whichextends through an extended nip defined between a rotatable backing rolland a cooperating press shoe. A web to be pressed is supported between apair of press felts so that the felts and the web disposed between thefelts pass through the extended nip such that water is pressed from theweb.

[0005] One of the advantages of the shoe press over the moreconventional roll press which includes cooperating press rolls, is thatthe residence time of the web in the extended nip arrangement is greaterthan the residence time of the web passing through the nip defined bythe counter rotating rolls of a roll press.

[0006] More recently, shoe presses have been developed in which theclosed loop of the press blanket totally encloses the elongated pressshoe. One of the advantages of providing an enclosed shoe includes theconfinement of lubricant mist. Such mist is generated as a result oflubricant being applied between the surface of the shoe and the pressblanket sliding thereover. Such lubricant mist if not contained couldcontaminate the surface of the resultant web. Furthermore, such oil mistcould present a slippage hazard to surrounding walkways and a potentialfire hazard.

[0007] Nevertheless, in operation of an enclosed shoe press, such pressblankets must be replaced when worn and it is imperative that theremoval of a worn press blanket and the replacement thereof by a newblanket be accomplished as quickly as possible. Also, the edges of thenew blanket must be reliably and securely anchored to the rotating headsof the enclosed shoe press. Many shoe presses operate at high speeds.Consequently, the cost of the down time required for changing a pressblanket can be as much as $60,000 per hour.

[0008] The prior art arrangements for changing a press blanket have beenrelatively complex and have not always provided a reliable anchor forthe peripheral edges of the press bearing blanket.

[0009] Therefore, it is a primary feature of the present invention toprovide an anchor device that overcomes the problems associated with theprior art arrangements.

[0010] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of ananchor device that securely anchors the peripheral edge of a pressblanket to a rotatable head.

[0011] A further feature of the present invention is the provision of ananchor device that facilitates changing of the blanket.

[0012] Another feature of the present invention is the provision of ananchor device that accommodates flexing of the press blanket.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of thedetailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present inventioncontained herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In an enclosed shoe press having a press blanket extendingthrough an extended nip defined between a backing roll and a press shoe,an anchor device for anchoring a peripheral edge of the press blanket.The anchor device includes a rotatable head which defines a conicalperipheral surface for supporting the blanket. A ring defines a concavesurface which cooperates with the conical surface of the rotatable headsuch that the peripheral edge of the blanket is anchored between theconical surface of the head and the concave surface of the ring. Also, apin extends radially inwardly from the ring, the pin engaging a holedefined by the peripheral edge of the blanket. Additionally, a pluralityof barbs extend away from the concave surface for assisting in anchoringthe peripheral edge of the blanket against the conical surface of therotatable head. A mechanism is provided for urging the conical surfaceof the head axially away from the press shoe so that the conical surfacemoves towards the concave surface of the ring such that the peripheraledge of the blanket is wedged between the conical surface of the headand the concave surface of the ring. The arrangement is structured suchthat when the blanket extends through the extended nip and duringsubsequent flexing of the blanket, the peripheral edge of the blanket isfirmly anchored to the conical surface of the rotatable head.

[0015] In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, therotatable head is of disc shaped configuration, the head rotating aboutan axis of rotation.

[0016] Also, the conical surface includes a first portion having aradius which increases in an axial direction towards the press shoe anda second portion which is disposed between the first portion and thepress shoe. The second portion has a further radius which decreases inthe axial direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the conical surface defines an annular groove whichis disposed between the first and second portions. The device furtherincludes an annular seal which is disposed within the annular groove.The annular seal sealingly cooperates with the blanket so that duringflexing of the blanket, the annular seal seals the press shoe within thepress blanket.

[0018] The device according to the present invention further includes astop which is removably secured to the rotatable head such that therotatable head is disposed between the stop and the press shoe. The stopis provided for limiting movement of the ring axially away from theconical surface in the event of a failure of the press blanket.

[0019] Moreover, the ring includes a first member which defines theconcave surface and a second member which extends from the first member.The second member extends axially away from the conical surface.

[0020] A pin extends radially inwardly from the second member, the pinengaging a hole defined by the peripheral edge of the blanket.

[0021] Additionally, the ring includes a plurality of wings which extendradially inwardly from the second member. Each of the wings is spacedcircumferentially around the rotatable head, the arrangement being suchthat the pin is disposed between adjacent wings of the plurality ofwings.

[0022] Each wing of the plurality of wings is located within a spacesituated between adjacent tabs defined by the peripheral edge of theblanket.

[0023] Also, the pin disposed between the adjacent wings extends throughthe hole which is defined by one of the tabs.

[0024] More specifically, the pin is located within a grommet extendingthrough the hole defined by the tab of the blanket.

[0025] Additionally, the device further includes a plurality of barbswhich extend away from the concave surface of the ring towards theperipheral edge of the blanket for assisting in anchoring the peripheraledge of the blanket against the conical surface of the rotatable head.

[0026] The barbs are inclined in a direction away from the press shoe sothat during flexing of the blanket, the barbs increase the anchoring ofthe peripheral edge of the blanket against the conical surface.

[0027] Many modifications and variations of the present invention willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration ofthe detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction withthe annexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. However, such modifications and variations fall within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0028]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an enclosed shoe pressaccording to the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0030]FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken on the line 3-3 ofFIG. 2;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view taken on the line 44 of FIG. 1; and

[0032]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top plan view on a reduced scale showing aportion of the blanket.

[0033] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughoutthe various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034]FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an enclosed shoe pressgenerally designated 10 according to the present invention having apress blanket 12 extending through an extended nip N defined between abacking roll 14 and an elongate press shoe 16.

[0035]FIG. 2 is a view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG.2 an anchor device generally designated 18, according to the presentinvention, is provided for anchoring a peripheral edge 20 of the pressblanket 12. The anchor device 18 includes a rotatable head 22 whichdefines a conical peripheral surface generally designated 24 forsupporting the blanket 12. A ring generally designated 26 defines aconcave surface 28 which cooperates with the conical surface 24 of therotatable head 22 such that the peripheral edge 20 of the blanket 12 isanchored between the conical surface 24 of the head 22 and the concavesurface 28 of the ring 26. A mechanism 30 such as a hydraulic cylinderis provided for urging the conical surface 24 of the head 22 axiallyaway from the press shoe 16 as indicated by the arrow 32 so that theconical surface 24 moves towards the concave surface 28 of the ring 26such that the peripheral edge 20 of the blanket 12 is wedged between theconical surface 24 of the head 22 and the concave surface 28 of the ring26. The arrangement is structured such that when the blanket 12 extendsthrough the extended nip N and during subsequent flexing of the blanket12, as indicated by the arrow F, the peripheral edge 20 of the blanket12 is firmly anchored to the conical surface 24 of the rotatable head22.

[0036] In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, therotatable head 22 is of disc shaped configuration, the head 22 rotatingabout an axis of rotation 34.

[0037] Also, the conical surface 24 includes a first portion 36 having aradius 38 which increases in an axial direction as indicated by thearrow 40 towards the press shoe 16 and a second portion 42 which isdisposed between the first portion 36 and the press shoe 16. The secondportion 42 of the conical surface 24 has a further radius 44 whichdecreases in the axial direction 40.

[0038] Furthermore, the conical surface 24 defines an annular groove 46which is disposed between the first and second portions 36 and 42respectively and the device 18 further includes an annular seal 48 suchas an 0-ring disposed within the annular groove 46. The annular seal 48sealingly cooperates with the blanket 12 so that during flexing of theblanket 12 as indicated by the arrow F, the annular seal 48 seals thepress shoe 16 within the press blanket 12.

[0039] The device 18 according to the present invention further includesa stop 50 which is removably secured to the rotatable head 22 such thatthe rotatable head 22 is disposed between the stop 50 and the press shoe16. The stop 50 is provided for limiting movement of the ring 26 axiallyaway from the conical surface 24 in a direction as indicated by arrow 52in the event of a failure of the press blanket 12.

[0040] Moreover, the ring 26 includes a first member 54 which definesthe concave surface 28 and a second member 56 which extends from thefirst member 54, the second member 56 extending axially away from theconical surface 24.

[0041] A pin 58 extends radially inwardly from the second member 56, thepin 58 engaging a hole 60 defined by the peripheral edge 20 of theblanket 12.

[0042]FIG. 3 is an enlarged view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 butwith the stop 50 removed for clarity. As shown in FIG. 3, the ring 26includes a plurality of wings 62, 63 and 64 which extend radiallyinwardly from the second member 56 of the ring 26. Each of the wings62-64 is spaced circumferentially around the rotatable head 22, thearrangement being such that the pin 58 is disposed between adjacentwings 62 and 63 of the plurality of wings 62-64.

[0043] Each wing such as wing 63 of the plurality of wings 62-64 islocated within a space 66 defined between adjacent tabs 68 and 70respectively defined by the peripheral edge 20 of the blanket 12.

[0044] Also, the pin 58 disposed between the adjacent wings 62 and 63extends through the hole 60 which is defined by one of the tabs 68.

[0045] More specifically, the pin 58 is located within a grommet 72extending through the hole 60 defined by the tab 68 of the blanket 12.

[0046]FIG. 4 is a view taken on the line 44 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG.4, the device 18 further includes a plurality of barbs 74, 75 and 76which extend away from the concave surface 28 towards the peripheraledge 20 of the blanket 12 for assisting in anchoring the peripheral edge20 of the blanket 12 against the conical surface 24 of the rotatablehead 22.

[0047] The barbs 74-76 are inclined in the direction 52 away from thepress shoe 16 so that during flexing of the blanket 12 as shown by thearrow F in FIG. 2, the barbs 74-76 increase the anchoring of theperipheral edge 20 of the blanket 12 against the conical surface 24.

[0048]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top plan view on a reduced scale showing aportion of the blanket 12 and the edge 20 thereof. As shown in FIG. 5,the edge 20 of the blanket 12 includes the tabs 68 and 70. Each of thetabs 68 and 70 respectively define a hole 60 for the location therein ofa corresponding pin 58 of the ring 26.

[0049] In operation of the device according to the present invention,the shoe is unloaded and the stop 50 is removed from both sides of theshoe press. Also the pressure within the mechanism 30 which preferablyis a hydraulic cylinder is released. Accordingly, any tension in theblanket 12 is released. Next, the tabs 68 and 70 are pulled away fromthe second member 56 of the ring 26 so that the pins 58 are releasedfrom engagement with the holes 60. The ring 26 is then moved axially inthe direction 52 and the barbs 74-76 are able to slide over the outersurface of the edge 20 of the blanket 12. The cylindrical blanket isthen removed from the shoe press by moving the blanket 12 axially in thedirection 40 as shown in FIG. 2 so that the blanket slides out from thehead 22 and from between the backing roll 14 and the press shoe 16.

[0050] In order to subsequently fit a new blanket, the new blanket 12 ismoved axially in the direction 52 until the edge 20 of the blanket 12slides over the conical surface 24 of the head 22. The ring 26 is thenmoved in the direction 40 and each of the tabs 68 and 70 is maneuveredsuch that each pin 58 engages a corresponding hole 60 in the tabs 68 and70 and the remaining tabs. When all the pins have been successfullyseated within their corresponding holes 60, a ring on the opposite sideof the shoe press is similarly fitted so that on both sides of thepress, the rings are located with each pin located in a correspondinghole of the edge of the blanket. When the blanket has been correctlyaligned hydraulic pressure is applied to the mechanism 30 so that thehead 22 is urged outwardly as indicated by arrow 32 so that the barbs74-76 engage the outer surface of the edge 20 of the blanket 12 forincreasing the anchoring of the peripheral edges 20 on both sides of thepress. Additionally, as the blanket is tensioned by the mechanism 30,the seal 48 and the inner surface of the blanket come into sealingengagement relative to each other so that any lubricant disposed on theinner surface of the blanket is contained within the confines of theblanket 12 so that marking of the web and contamination of theenvironment by oil mist is prevented. Finally, the stops 50 on each sideof the press are replaced so that in operation of the press, onlylimited movement of the ring 26 away from the shoe 16 would be possiblein the event of the blanket disintegrating.

[0051] The basic concept of the present invention includes a “selfclamping” principle. The “self clamping” principle means the more youpush, the tighter is the clamping. Such clamping is due to the “coneinto cone” geometry of the conical and concave surfaces together withthe axial-securing systems which include the pins and the barbs. In thesystem according to the present invention, the piston of the urgingmechanism pushes the inner conical surface to force such conical surfaceof the head into the outer concave surface of the ring. The reaction ofthe outer concave surface of the ring to the axial force exerted by theinner conical surface of the head is given by the resultant of theblanket tension itself. The blanket is (axially) connected to andsecured to the outer ring 26 by two different systems as follows:

[0052] 1) The pins 58. The pins 58 give first of all the correctalignment of the blanket 12 with the head 22 just after installation.Also, the pins 58 give the first axial connection between the blanket 12and outer ring 26 when the piston mechanism 30 starts to push and whenthe blanket 12, due to its own tension begins to pull.

[0053] 2) The barbs 74-76. Once the conical surface 24 and concavesurface 28 get closer and start to squeeze the blanket 12, the barbs74-76 in the inside of the outer ring concave surface 28 start to enterthe blanket surface giving further strength to the connection betweenouter ring 26 and blanket 12. The engagement of the barbs 74-76 into theblanket material and into the inside textile material of the blanketgive the necessary axial resistance to withstand the highest levels ofblanket tension. Such axial resistance would not be provided by the pinsalone.

[0054] In the drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in theart that the thickness of the shoe press blanket has been exaggerated inFIG. 1 to emphasize the operation of the press 10. Furthermore, althoughin FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 the press 10 is shown as including two press feltsF1 and F2 respectively for supporting the web W, a single feltingarrangement could be used. Also, the blanket 12 could be a ventedblanket with a plurality of grooves or blind drilled holes in the uppersurface thereof for drainage.

[0055] Additionally, although it is preferable that the barbs extendinwardly from the ring 26, the barbs could alternatively extend from theconical surface 24 of the head 22.

[0056] The present invention provides a unique arrangement for securelylocating and anchoring the edges of a press blanket so that changing ofa blanket is greatly simplified.

What is claimed is:
 1. In an enclosed shoe press having a press blanketextending through an extended nip defined between a backing roll and apress shoe, an anchor device for anchoring a peripheral edge of thepress blanket, said anchor device comprising: a rotatable head defininga conical peripheral surface for supporting the blanket; a ring defininga concave surface which cooperates with said conical surface of saidrotatable head such that the peripheral edge of the blanket is anchoredbetween said conical surface of said head and said concave surface ofsaid ring; a pin extending radially inwardly from said ring, said pinengaging a hole defined by the peripheral edge of the blanket; aplurality of barbs extending away from said concave surface forassisting in anchoring the peripheral edge of the blanket against saidconical surface of said rotatable head; and a mechanism for urging saidconical surface of said head axially away from the press shoe so thatsaid conical surface moves towards said concave surface of said ringsuch that the peripheral edge of the blanket is wedged between saidconical surface of said head and said concave surface of said ring thearrangement being structured such that when the blanket extends throughthe extended nip and during subsequent flexing of the blanket, theperipheral edge of the blanket is firmly anchored to said conicalsurface of said rotatable head.
 2. An anchor device as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said rotatable head is of disc shaped configuration,said head rotating about an axis of rotation.
 3. An anchor device as setforth in claim 2 wherein said conical surface includes: a first portionhaving a radius which increases in an axial direction towards the pressshoe; a second portion disposed between said first portion and the pressshoe having a further radius which decreases in said axial direction. 4.An anchor device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said conical surfacedefines an annular groove disposed between said first and secondportions; said device further including: an annular seal disposed withinsaid annular groove, said annular seal sealingly cooperating with theblanket so that during said flexing of the blanket, said annular sealseals the press shoe within the press blanket.
 5. An anchor device asset forth in claim 1 further including: a stop removably secured to saidrotatable head such that said rotatable head is disposed between saidstop and the press shoe, said stop limiting movement of said ringaxially away from said conical surface in the event of a failure of thepress blanket.
 6. An anchor device as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidring includes: a first member which defines said concave surface; asecond member extending from said first member and extending axiallyaway from said conical surface; said pin extending radially inwardlyfrom said second member.
 7. An anchor device as set forth in claim 6wherein said ring further includes: a plurality of wings extendingradially inwardly from said second member, each of said wings beingspaced circumferentially around said rotatable head, the arrangementbeing such that said pin is disposed between adjacent wings of saidplurality of wings.
 8. An anchor device as set forth in claim 7 whereineach wing of said plurality of wings is located within a space definedbetween adjacent tabs defined by the peripheral edge of the blanket. 9.An anchor device as set forth in claim 8 wherein said pin disposedbetween said adjacent wings extends through the hole defined by one ofthe tabs.
 10. An anchor device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said pinis located within a grommet extending through the hole defined by thetab of the blanket.
 11. An anchor device as set forth in claim 1 furtherincluding: said plurality of barbs extend away from said concave surfacetowards the peripheral edge of the blanket for assisting in anchoringthe peripheral edge of the blanket against said conical surface of saidrotatable head.
 12. An anchor device as set forth in claim 11 whereinsaid barbs are inclined in a direction away from the press shoe so thatduring flexing of the blanket, said barbs increase said anchoring of theperipheral edge of the blanket against said conical surface.
 13. In anenclosed shoe press having a press blanket extending through an extendednip defined between a backing roll and a press shoe, an anchor devicefor anchoring a peripheral edge of the press blanket, said anchor devicecomprising: a rotatable head defining a conical peripheral surface forsupporting the blanket; a ring defining a concave surface whichcooperates with said conical surface of said rotatable head such thatthe peripheral edge of the blanket is anchored between said conicalsurface of said head and said concave surface of said ring; a mechanismfor urging said conical surface of said head axially away from the pressshoe so that said conical surface moves towards said concave surface ofsaid ring such that the peripheral edge of the blanket is wedged betweensaid conical surface of said head and said concave surface of said ringthe arrangement being structured such that when the blanket extendsthrough the extended nip and during subsequent flexing of the blanket,the peripheral edge of the blanket is firmly anchored to said conicalsurface of said rotatable head; said ring including: a first memberwhich defines said concave surface; a second member extending from saidfirst member and extending axially away from said conical surface; and apin extending radially inwardly, said pin engaging a hole defined by theperipheral edge of the blanket.
 14. In an enclosed shoe press having apress blanket extending through an extended nip defined between abacking roll and a press shoe, an anchor device for anchoring aperipheral edge of the press blanket, said anchor device comprising: arotatable head defining a conical peripheral surface for supporting theblanket; a ring defining a concave surface which cooperates with saidconical surface of said rotatable head such that the peripheral edge ofthe blanket is anchored between said conical surface of said head andsaid concave surface of said ring; a piston and cylinder mechanism forurging said conical surface of said head axially away from the pressshoe so that said conical surface moves towards said concave surface ofsaid ring such that the peripheral edge of the blanket is wedged betweensaid conical surface of said head and said concave surface of said ringthe arrangement being structured such that when the blanket extendsthrough the extended nip and during subsequent flexing of the blanket,the peripheral edge of the blanket is firmly anchored to said conicalsurface of said rotatable head; and a plurality of barbs extending awayfrom said concave surface of said ring towards the peripheral edge ofthe blanket for assisting in anchoring the peripheral edge of theblanket against said conical surface of said rotatable head.